Bonza makes “bold” commitment to Aussie suppliers

Aerial view of Nobby's Head, Newcastle, NSW

By James Harrison

Australia’s newest airline, Bonza, has committed to exclusively serving Australian food and drinks on board its commercial flights.

Speaking in Mildura, the airline’s CCO Carly Povey said Bonza’s onboard menu will consist of 100 per cent Australian snacks, meals and beverages as part of its commitment to being “here for Allstralia.”

“We know Australians love their tucker and we also know Australia produces some of the world’s best – so why wouldn’t we support locals and give Bonza customers the chance to enjoy an all Aussie menu onboard?” said Povey, who visited Mildura to meet with local food producers.

The commitment has been welcomed by producers in Mildura, with Peter O’Donnell, managing director of Southern Cross farms declaring it a win, win for the industry.

“Not only will Bonza give Aussie food and drink brands the chance to showcase and sell products onboard, they’ll bring more people to the regions where they can taste local food, wines, craft beers and distilled spirits,” O’Donnell said.

“Many of these producers also run tourism businesses and new low-cost flights to regional Australia means more footfall to cellar doors, guided tours, winery and farm-based accommodation.”

The airline is currently finalising the process for the onboard retail partners who will deliver on today’s commitment. It’s expected an announcement from the competitive pitch process will be made in the coming weeks.

“The brief to our onboard catering partner was clear. We’re here to shake things up and stay true to our values of being here for ‘Allstralia’,” said Povey.

What this means for customers, added Povey, is there will be no option for popular global international soft drink or chip brands. Whilst they have their place, it’s not aligned with Bonza’s product ethos or, according to its surveys, what their customers want.

“We have been asking customers what they want to eat and drink onboard through our Fly Bonza app and social channels,” Povey said.

“The demand is there with more than two-thirds of respondents wanting local over global flavours. We’re also gleaning some great insights to help inform our menu so we know it’s based on customers needs” she added.

Trevor Willcock, chief executive of Mildura Airport commented at last week’s media event: “We are thrilled to have Bonza in Mildura today to make this bold commitment to Australian producers, of which our region thrives upon.

“We know tourism has a multiplier effect on other industries including agriculture, food and beverage production and this is a great example of how the sector can support the broader local economy.”

This announcement came after the budget airline unveiled 200 new positions late last month.

There have been more than 5,500 registrations of interest for roles since Bonza was announced in October 2021.

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Bonza Carly Povey mildura Mildura Airport Peter O’Donnell Southern Cross farms Trevor Willcock